Saints vs Irish (Friday evening)

[Puja]

Northampton: Furbank; Sleightholme, Dingwall, Francis, Collins; Biggar, Mitchell; Auterac, Haywood, Hill, Ribbans, Moon, Isiekwe, Ludlam (capt), Harrison.

Replacements: S Matavesi, Waller, Painter, Coles, Wood, James, Hutchinson, Tuala.

London Irish: Parton; Loader, Stokes, Hepetema, Hassell-Collins; Jackson, Phipps; Dell, Matu'u, Chawatama, Munga, Simmons, Donnell, Cowan (capt), Tuisue.

Replacements: Cornish, 17 Harry Elrington, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 George Nott, 20 Matt Rogerson, 21 Ben Meehan, P Cokanasiga, Homer.

[Puja]

Good to see PCokanasiga back involved - still not sure why he's been absent for nearly 4 months as I can't find any news on him being injured and he's too good to've been left out for all those games. Might have been a sabbatical to deal with family stuff, in which case, it's good that he's back and ready to go.

Puja

[Adam_P]

That was a quality game. Sleights vs Hassell-Collins was interesting - Sleights looked to have him on pace quite comfortable a couple of times. Quality game from Mitchell

[Oakboy]

That was a quality game. Sleights vs Hassell-Collins was interesting - Sleights looked to have him on pace quite comfortable a couple of times. Quality game from Mitchell

Yes, I had not previously been convinced by Mitchell but he was good tonight. He compared well with Phipps - a reasonable benchmark.

I do like Isiekwe though I imagine he'll be condemned as as not a 'proper flanker'. There's no denying that a good back row lineout merchant is worth having - stealing opposition ball is just a different form of turnover.

[Adam_P]

There's no doubt that Isiekwe has been very impressive during his stay in Northampton. Most of his games for us have been at 6, and he's looked really good. Very solid D and awesome in the line out - especially defensively. Will be a shame to loose him next season.

[fivepointer]

That was fun. Great watch for the neutral. A good pitch, dry conditions and 2 teams willing to play can produce some rich entertainment.
Mitchell showed up well again. He simply must play for England this year.
Sleightholme and O H-C had a good joust. Much to like about both of them.
Isiekwe has been excellent for Saints. I've always regarded him as a lock but he's now an established 6 and cannot be far away from England consideration.
Paul Hill is playing well. Still young enough to play internationally again. 26 is not at all old for a prop (Sinckler is 28). I wonder if he's on the radar.

[Banquo]

That was a quality game. Sleights vs Hassell-Collins was interesting - Sleights looked to have him on pace quite comfortable a couple of times. Quality game from Mitchell

Yep, Tom James had been very good, but Mitchell showed why he is 1st choice. Sleightholme looks very sharp and smart.

Both sides kept the ball in hand a lot- they must have been shagged out and the front 5 cursing a lot!

[Banquo]

There's no doubt that Isiekwe has been very impressive during his stay in Northampton. Most of his games for us have been at 6, and he's looked really good. Very solid D and awesome in the line out - especially defensively. Will be a shame to loose him next season.

He's much more of a 6 than a lock.